I received the following question:
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I was wondering if Michael would be willing to comment on the proposed Koran burning by a Christian (anti-Islam) pastor in Florida (which most people find objectionable) and the right to free speech. How do we reconcile respecting this man’s right to free speech and supporting religious tolerance?
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to which I respond:
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To have a Koran burning would be a juvenile lashing out that would only exacerbate tensions and trigger more juvenile acts in response… children fighting. Where are the adults?? In a mature society such an act would not take place. Furthermore, if it did take place, it would not receive the same attention. People would simply shake their heads, roll their eyes, and walk away. That response would give it no energy and it would then be of no significance.
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The alternative, attempting to limit freedom of speech, is a dangerous path. Maybe our cause is moral and just. However the next individual in power may not have the same moral stature and could then abuse the precedent already established and limit freedom of speech with a despicable intent.
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There then appears to be an irresolvable dilemma. Limiting freedom of speech or not… either way has undesirable consequences. Life is riddled with an unlimited number of such dilemmas… each with no solution on its own level.
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But there is a solution. We must look deeper. We must evolve human consciousness. This is done by removing the stresses, strains, and impurities from the physiologies of all people. By so doing, people will behave maturely and responsibly. Mutual respect, harmony, and maturity will reign.
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Such mature and desirable behavior cannot be delegated. However, it can be cultivated. That, quite simply, is the exact thing we are offering to the world.
